Investigating the psychometrics of a new tool for evaluating motivational factors and their relationship with stunts among adolescent male cyclists in Isfahan, Iran

Introduction

Stunts refer to risky behaviours performed by many young cyclists, especially boys, leading to traffic injuries. Little attention has been paid to the motivational factors behind such behaviours. This study aimed to develop and psychometrically evaluate tools for measuring motivational factors associated with stunts. The relationship between these factors and stunts among adolescent male cyclists was also examined.

Methods

This methodological research began with developing an initial questionnaire on motivational variables in December 2020 and concluded in February 2021 in Isfahan, Iran. Construct validity was evaluated using exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Internal consistency and reliability were assessed through Cronbach’s alpha and composite reliability (CR) indices, while external reliability was determined using test–retest with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The Zuckerman Brief Sensation Seeking Scale (BSSS) was used to assess convergent validity. The relationship between motivational factors and stunts was investigated using structural equation modeling (SEM).

Results

The mean age of the cyclists was 16.4 (±1.1) years. The initial version of the questionnaire consisted of 33 items, with 28 items retained for factor analysis after omitting five during the content validity process. Construct validity evaluated with EFA identified three factors: perceived social environment (PSE), perceived special and unique abilities, and sensation seeking (SS). CFA confirmed the adequacy of these factors. Cronbach’s alpha, CR indices, and ICC values for the factors were good to excellent. A positive correlation between SS and BSSS indicated acceptable convergent validity. In the statistical model, SS and perceived special and unique abilities were directly related to stunts.

Conclusion

Based on the favorable psychometric results, this tool can measure a new category of motivational factors related to cyclists’ stunts in future research. According to the model obtained from the data analysis, the variance of stunts in adolescent cyclists could be predicted to an acceptable level, with only three variables comprising 28 items. These results can be used to develop evidence-based strategies to promote cyclist safety.